Chemistry of Fireworks

by Russell, Michael S.

• ISBN13: 9780854041275
• ISBN10: 0854041273
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-01
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Summary

For centuries fireworks have been a source of delight and amazement in cultures around the world. But what produces their dazzling array of effects? This book, a fully revised, extended and updated second edition explores the chemistry and physics behind the art of pyrotechnics. Its scope ranges from the history of gunpowder and fireworks in the UK, to the chemical characteristics of gunpowder, the form and functioning of all the main types of fireworks, special effects, fireworks safety and current fireworks legislation. This second edition is aimed at students with A level qualifications or equivalent wanting to follow the essential principles of pyrotechnics. The style is concise and easy to understand and readers will gain a clear understanding of the science of fireworks in terms of recognised scientific principles.

Table of Contents

Glossary	p. xiii
Historical Introduction
Early Incendiary Devices	p. 1
Development of Black Powder	p. 2
Application of Black Powder to Fireworks	p. 7
Further Uses of Black Powder	p. 15
The Characteristics of Black Powder
The Solid State	p. 18
Oxidation and Reduction	p. 20
Electronegativity	p. 21
Physical Chemistry	p. 23
Influence of Pellet Density on Burning Time	p. 24
Influence of Moisture on Burning Time	p. 25
Thermal Decomposition	p. 25
Thermal Ignition of Black Powder	p. 27
Thermal Analysis of Black Powder	p. 30
Analysis by TG	p. 30
Analysis by DTA	p. 31
Analysis by DSC	p. 33
Stoichiometry	p. 35
Volume of Evolved Gases	p. 35
Heat of Reaction	p. 36
Temperature of Reaction	p. 37
Sulfurless Gunpowder	p. 41
Moisture Resistant Gunpowder	p. 42
Rockets
Propellant	p. 44
Internal Ballistics	p. 44
Thrust and Specific Impulse	p. 48
External Ballistics	p. 50
Rocket Trajectory	p. 50
Distance Travelled with Uniform Acceleration	p. 51
Motion Under Gravity	p. 51
The Trajectory in the Atmosphere	p. 52
Rocket Design and Manufacture	p. 52
Further Developments	p. 56
Mines and Shells
Calibres	p. 61
Construction of Shells	p. 61
Functioning of Shells	p. 66
Internal Ballistics	p. 67
External Ballistics	p. 70
Mortar Tubes	p. 73
Energy Transfer Efficiency	p. 74
Mines	p. 78
Fountains
Compositions	p. 79
Atomic Theory	p. 81
Quantum Theory	p. 82
Titanium Fountains	p. 84
The Colour of Sparks	p. 86
The Brightness of Sparks	p. 88
Particle Combustion	p. 89
Sparklers
Wire Sparklers	p. 94
Tubed Sparklers	p. 96
Bangers
Method of Construction	p. 98
Volume of Evolved Gases	p. 99
Theoretical Maximum Gas Pressure	p. 100
Airblast and Sound	p. 100
Roman Candles
Method of Construction	p. 104
Emission of Radiation by Stars	p. 107
Chemistry of the Green Star	p. 110
Ionisation in Flames	p. 111
Chemistry of the Red Star	p. 112
Chemistry of the Blue Star	p. 114
Summary	p. 116
Gerbs and Wheels
Gerbs	p. 118
Method of Construction	p. 118
Wheels	p. 120
Method of Construction	p. 120
The Maltese Wheel	p. 122
Special Effects
Quickmatch	p. 125
Piped Match	p. 126
Plastic Fuse	p. 127
Pyroclock	p. 129
Lances	p. 129
Set-Pieces	p. 133
Devices	p. 135
Flash and Noise Effects	p. 135
The Whistle Effect	p. 136
Smoke Puffs	p. 139
Coloured Smokes	p. 139
Firing Electrically	p. 143
Fireworks Safety
Radio Hazard	p. 145
Public Safety	p. 145
Organised Displays	p. 147
Fireworks Legislation
The Explosives Acts	p. 152
The Health and Safety Commission	p. 152
The Health and Safety Executive	p. 153
British Standard for Fireworks	p. 154
UK List of Classified and Authorised Explosives	p. 156
Recent Legislation	p. 159
The Fireworks Regulations 2004	p. 159
The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005	p. 160
Bibliography	p. 161
Subject Index	p. 164
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.